The winning candidate in Monday night’s election in the riding of Scarborough-Rouge Park credits the young members of his party for his victory.

Liberal candidate Gary Anandasangaree held a reception for his supporters following his win over chief rivals, Conservative candidate Leslyn Lewis and New Democrat K.M. Shanthikumar. Anandasangaree accumulated more than 60 per cent of the vote, according to the CBC’s Canada Votes website, while Lewis attracted 27 per cent of the vote and Shanthikumar, 10 per cent. The MP designate spoke to his supporters at the Scarborough Convention Centre.

“This campaign, this federal election,” he said, “it’s been about age and experience, and I think the youth showed up today.”

Throughout his campaign, Anandasangaree stressed the importance of having more young people involved in the community. He took time to express his gratitude to both his campaign director and campaign manager, both of whom are in their early 20s.

Marlene Wallace, a supporter of Anandasangaree’s campaign, spoke about her candidate’s reputation and his past work as a humanitarian lawyer.

“I was standing in line and I had my Gary shirt on and a guy goes, “Oh I know Gary; he’s a great guy!” … I think he’ll make a wonderful member of Parliament,” she said.

Anandasangaree ended his speech by assuring his supporters that he would work day and night to ensure that the rights of people in the riding would be heard.

“I want to dedicate tonight and this victory to our young people,” Anandasangaree said finally.